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Broccoli
البروكلي · Brassica oleracea var. italica
A winter vegetable from the cabbage family. Its green head of tight flower buds is eaten.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | البروكلي |
|---|---|
| English name | Broccoli |
| Scientific name | Brassica oleracea var. italica |
| Family | Cabbage family (Brassicaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual winter vegetable |
| Height | 60 to 90 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
September to October
December to February
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
An upright plant with wide grey-green leaves. It makes a dark green head of flower buds in the center before they open.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and greenhouses in Riyadh, Al-Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf and the Eastern Province in winter.
Soil
Needs rich, well-drained soil with compost.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering to keep the soil moist, without flooding.
Climate and light
Needs cool weather. Heat makes the heads open too fast.
Propagation
From seeds in a nursery, then transplanting.
Benefits and uses
- Rich in vitamin C and fiber
- After cutting the main head, small side heads grow
Drawbacks
- Needs cool weather only
- Can get aphids and cabbage worms
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Wikipedia: Broccoli
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)